Melissa Broadbent, a defendant in an animal cruelty case, appeared in City Court this afternoon and surrendered ownership of her dog, a pit bull named Rocky.

Rocky was scaled with hot water sometime around July 20. Broadbent's boyfriend is accused of abusing the dog and Broadbent is accused of facilitating the crime and trying to cover it up.

We reported earlier today that Rocky is at the Animal Shelter and doing much better.

An animal control officer was in court today when Broadbent signed a document turning the dog over to the Sheriff's Office. The change in ownership will allow Animal Shelter volunteers to seek a new home for Rocky.

With Broadbent's agreement, Rocky is spared potential months in confinement at the shelter while her case winds through the legal process.

Broadbent, 36, is charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

With no prior felony or misdemeanor convictions, Broadbent was released from custody and placed under supervision by Genesee Justice by Judge Robert Balbick.

Broadbent's boyfriend, 26-year-old Brandon M. Maldonado, of 52 Walnut St., is charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement. He also appeared in court today.

Maldonado is currently on parole, but his public defender, Jamie Walsh, said he isn't aware of a violation being filed in connection with his arrest and said it's his understanding that Maldonado has been doing well on parole. He asked Balbick to set bail at $5,000 or $10,000 bond.

Robert Zickl, ADA, noted Maldonado does have that felony conviction, plus five misdemeanor convictions and five previous failure to appear charges.

Balbick went along with Zickl's recommendation of bail in the amount of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.

A pre-trial hearing, also known as a felony hearing, has been set in Maldonado's case for 11:15 a.m., Thursday.

Broadbent, who waived a felony hearing, isn't due back in court until next month. Balbick did sign a stay away order of protection for her and her children and told her to take up any visitation rights with Family Court.

Zickl noted that the Department of Social Services will be investigating the case.

Rocky, the 2- to 3-year-old pit bull found at a local residence reportedly suffering from second- and third-degree burns from scalding water poured on his back, is doing much better, according to Batavia PD officials.

The boyfriend of the dog's apparent owner and the owner were charged Friday with several crimes related to the incident, including animal cruelty and lying to police about the incident.

The dog was burned around July 20 but the incident wasn't reported to police until Aug. 3.

Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan and Animal Control Officer James Sheflin investigated the complaint.

As a result of the investigation, Brandon M. Maldonado, 26, of 52 Walnut St., was charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement.

His girlfriend, 36-year-old Melissa A. Broadbent, and believed to be the dog's owner, allegedly tried to help Maldonado cover up the crime, including coercing her children into lying about the incident, and was charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

The couple are scheduled to appear in City Court on the charges this afternoon.

Sgt. Dan Coffey said a State Street Animal Hospital vet conveyed to police that the dog was likely in a great deal of pain between the time he was burned and brought in for treatment nearly two weeks later.

It's expected that the second and third-degree burns will leave permanent scars, and some patches of skin will never regrow any fur. 

Despite what he's been through, Rocky was in great spirits during a visit at the Animal Shelter today. He was eager to meet a visitor and go outside. He readily obeyed commands to sit and stay.  

The dog's wounds show marked improvement from what was visible in the photo released by police Friday.

Officials believe Broadbent has owned Rocky since he was a puppy.

Coffey said police are trying to work through the District Attorney's Office to find a way to speed along the process that would result in a new owner for Rocky. As in previous dog cruelty cases, the owner must relinquish ownership or be convicted of a crime before the dog can go into foster care or to a new permanent home.

Batavia PD is investigating a missing person report to see if it's connected to the body of a deceased African-American male found Friday afternoon in the Tonawanda Creek behind Kibbe Park, said spokesman Det. Eric Hill.

"We do not know if this missing person is associated with the body found in the Tonawanda Creek or not," Hill said.

Over the weekend, police said there was no missing person report that could be connected at that time with the deceased person.

The name of the missing person is not being released at this time, pending further family notifications, Hill said.

The body of the dead man is at the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office undergoing forensic and DNA testing. The person has not been identified and police have asked the public's help in potentially identifying the person. The cause of death remains undetermined.

John F. Brown, 56, of Woodcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. Brown allegedly used a pen to scribble on a picnic table at Williams Park at 8:13 a.m., Saturday.

Alton G. Williams, 38, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Williams is accused of failing to pay a fine. He posted an unspecified amount of bail and was released.

Andrew J. Leaton, 30, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with DWI/Drugs. Leaton was stopped at 1:18 a.m. April 23 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsday.

Joshua Daniel Barber, 21, of North Road, Fillmore, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd. Barber was allegedly involved in a brief police pursuit on State Street at 5:10 p.m., Saturday.

Joseph W. Gottstine, 26, Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Gottstine was arrested on a warrant stemming from an alleged incident at 6:34 a.m., July 19. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Dawn M. Morford, 54, of Weber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Morford was arrested on a warrant while at the Genesee County courts facility.

Joshua K. Williams, 24, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and menacing, 2nd. A warrant was issued for Williams on the listed charges stemming from an alleged incident at 2:15 a.m., July 31. Williams turned himself in. Williams allegedly threw a glass bottle at the windshield of a vehicle during an altercation, damaging the windshield. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

David Nicholas Greco Sr., 65, of Merrill Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Greco allegedly pushed a woman and used a hatchet to break out the window of the woman's car. An order of protection was issued.

CenturyLink Field, home of the 12th man, Lambeau Field, home of the Lambeau leap, and Oracle Arena, the home of the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors all share one common denominator, home field means something. The crowd, the tradition and the history all seem to give the home team that added edge. 

For the Batavia Muckdogs (19-27) playing at home this season has meant absolutely nothing. They actually have a slightly better record on the road 10-14, compared to at home 9-14.

Now it would be naïve to compare Dwyer Stadium to CenturyLink or Lambeau Field, but in any sport, at any level, playing at home should mean something.

Coming into Sunday night’s game against the Vermont Lake Monsters (21-26), an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the Muckdogs were one of the hottest teams in the New York-Penn League. Winners of seven of the last 10 games and having won five straight series to close within five games of the last wild card spot.

Travis Neubeck started on the mound for Batavia and in only his second professional start he pitched fairly well but struggled with his command all night.

“He didn’t have his best stuff but he went out there and competed,” Manager Angel Espada said.

Neubeck was able to get through four innings of work, allowing three runs on five hits while walking four.   

When Ayron Adames came in relief of Neubeck it was only a 3-2 game in favor of the Lake Monsters.

League All-Star, Stone Garrett tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when he hit his league-leading ninth home run of the year. Batavia tacked on another run later in the inning after Ryan Cranmer reached on an error by the third baseman. He moved to second on a wild pitch.

Cranmer scored to take a 4-3 lead when Alex Fernandez grounded to third, but it was misplayed by the third baseman for his second error of the inning and third in the game.

Adames shut down Vermont in the two innings he pitched. He only relinquished one hit and walked one batter, plus striking out two.

Everything seemed to be going the Muckdogs way and it looked like they were on their way to winning the first game of this three-game series, but the wheels fell of the wagon in the seventh.

LJ Brewster began the inning by striking out the first batter he saw, showing why earlier in the season he was called up to the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Marlins Advanced-A farm team. Unfortunately, the rest of the inning showed why he was back in Batavia.

Brewster walked Nick Collins and Chris Iriart on back-to-back four-pitch walks. Brett Siddall then hit a perfect double play ball to second baseman Fernandez, who in turn let the ball go off his glove, allowing Collins to score from second, tying the game at 4-4.

Now with runners at first and third, Skye Bolt singled to score Iriart easily. Left fielder Brandon Rawe inexcusably let the ball go under his glove and allowed Siddall to score all the way from first, making it 6-3.

Not expecting a bunt, third baseman Taylor Munden was playing well behind the base at third and Ryan Howell saw that and tried, and executed perfectly, a squeeze play, scoring Bolt from third and reaching first base himself, without even a throw.

Brewster’s nightmare of a game continued in the eighth when he allowed two more runs on three hits and one walk.

“Young pitchers, young players sometimes you try to do too much in certain situations and that’s part of the game,” Espada said. “It’s part of their learning experience as a professional.” 

The Lake Monsters added two more runs in the ninth inning off of Aneury Osoria to bring their total to 11. Batavia was able to score one run in the bottom of the ninth but the game was well decided by then.

As announced earlier in the week, the Muckdogs have an incredible six players selected to the All-Star team even though they have the worst record in the league. Both Anfernee Seymour and Stone Garrett were chosen and they showed why on Sunday.

Seymour went 3-for-4 with three singles, a run scored and an amazing four stolen bases, bringing his season total to 22, just one behind the league leader. Garrett went just 1-for-3 but he added to his league-leading home run tally and scored two runs.

“It’s a whole team effort and you don’t want to put the pressure on these young guys at this level because they are All-Stars,” Espada said.

The Muckdogs will return to Dwyer Stadium on Monday night to try and right the ship and get back to their winning ways. Game time is set for 7:05.

CNN: Paid parental leave is a right, not a favor

From Marybeth Stefani:

I recently moved to Ross Street. My cat Mittens was always an indoor cat, but since moving to the new place she was eager to get outside, so we let her. She was only going as far as the neighbor's and would show up periodically throughout the day. We have been here for a month and a half. Well last Monday is the last I’ve seen of her

She is a female cat who is about 14 years old. She has a scar on her lower side (from a cat fight from before I adopted her). When she went missing, she was wearing a purple flea collar on which I had written her name and address. She is friendly but hides from people she doesn't know.

She could be hiding under a porch or even a garage, so I am asking people to keep their eyes out for her.  She is a family cat and we are missing her terribly! I can be contacted by phone 585-297-7418.

A man is down in the water, bleeding from the head, in the Indian Falls at 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding. The Water Rescue Team is called for a possible rope rescue. The location is outside the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: The emergency rope rescue response is cancelled per Pembroke command.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Howard at the scene says a state trooper told him a man got a small cut on the head. That's it. "It was nothing." The assignment is back in service.

A grass fire is reportedly moving from the Thruway near the Le Roy exit -- between mile marker 377 and 378, eastbound -- and toward some woods. Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Arunas M. Gecas, 28, of Van Voorhis Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly running past the ticket takers and entering the venue without a ticket. Gecas was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

Jessica L. Pychel, 20, of Claremount Circle, Welland, Ontario, Canada, is charged with resisting arrest and three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly kicking, pushing and biting deputies and security officers. Pychel was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Sean P. Biggie, 22, of Jane Drive, Syracuse, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing a deputy's wrist trying to pull a deputy to the ground. Biggie was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brett I. Hall, 34, of South Gravel Road, Medina, is charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching windows in a van and then striking and shoving two Darien Lake security officers. Hall was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250.

Adam R. Penney, 33, of Sylvan Hill Road, Echo Bay Ontario, Canada, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching windows on a van and then punching a Darien Lake security officer in the face. Penney was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

(name redacted), 22, of Eastgate Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Savanna L. Sciabarrasi, 21, of Two Mile Road, Olean, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd,  after reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Christopher E. Aydelotte, 36, of Edson Street, West Seneca, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, after allegedly he punched a window out of a vehicle.

Emily Tomczak is crowned Elba Onion Queen during the 2015 Elba Onion Festival on Saturday evening by outgoing queen Alexandra Lacey. Runners up, from left, are Cecilia Villanueva and Sierra Holland.

No word yet on who won the Mustang.

UPDATE: The Mustang raffle winner is Clyde Easton, of Oakfield. No word yet on whether Clyde is taking the car or the cash.

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A possible head-on collision is reported at 9741 Alexander Road, just south of Lang Road, Town of Alexander. Unknown injuries. Mercy Flight in on ground standby. Alexander fire and ambulance are responding along with Mercy medics. Dispatchers received several calls about this accident.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: One vehicle has heavy front-end damage; the other is about 150 feet off the roadway. There's a lot of debris in the roadway. No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 8:20 a.m.: Howard at the scene reports one person was transported to UMMC for evaluation after complaining of head and neck pain. The victim was driving a Jeep and it was rear-ended and pushed into a field, striking a couple of trees before coming to rest. It was struck by a sedan driven by a young woman who was given and passed a field-sobriety test. The driver of the sedan is being charged with following too closely and speed not reasonable and prudent. The Alexander assignment is back in service.

Photos from the Saturday matinee at the Attica Rodeo.

The rodeo concludes with a final performance at 2 p.m., Sunday.

For more rodeo coverage, visit the Wyoming County Free Press. Julia Ferrini has done a great job with it.

Recommend viewing of the slideshow: Full-screen mode.

Brian Sandstorm and his son Luke pose for a picture with professional wrestler Eric Young today at the five-year anniversary celebration of Foxprowl Collectables on Ellicott Street.

In five years, owner Bill Hume has grown the inventory, the variety and the floor space of his store.

When I remarked, "you've come a long way," he said, "You know, passion and hard work. It's what I love."

In the seven-year history of The Batavian, this is the first time we've covered both the opening of a new business and its fifth anniversary.

Below, Hume with Young and Matt Troisi, owner of Limited Edition Collectables, who help Hume secure Young's appearance at Foxprowl today.

A two-car accident is reported on Park Road in front of Alex's Place restaurant. There is reportedly one person with a minor head injury. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying the male that was found in the Tonawanda Creek on Friday, Aug. 7.

The department has reached out to surrounding jurisdictions for information on any missing persons that have been reported. Originally reported as a white male, it appears that he may actually be of African-American descent.

The discrepancy in race is from the body being in the water for at least two days. He is approximately 6’00” tall with very short hair. The man had facial stubble and no scars, marks or tattoos anywhere on his body. The individual may be in his 30s or 40s.

(Initial Report)

Two, US size 12, “Nike” sandals were found in close proximity to the body. The sandals had a white strap across the top and black soles. He was wearing a brown “Zoo York” shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. Both were size XXL. He had red gym shorts on with a black stripe down both sides and a cell phone was in his pocket. The cell phone is being sent out for forensic examination.

The cause and manner of death is yet to be determined pending the results of the toxicology / DNA analysis. More information will be available at that time.

Citizens with any information are encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department directly at (585) 345-6350 or via the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370. Photos are not being released at this time.

Press release:

The 2015 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include six players from Batavia, which is the second highest in the league. They will send infielders Brad Haynal and Anfernee Seymour, outfielder Stone Garrett and pitchers Nestor Bautista, Steven Farnworth and Jordan Holloway to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 18th at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

Haynal, a 18th round pick in the 2014 draft, has played in 39 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the league leaders in hitting all season. Haynal currently ranks eighth in the league in hitting, with a .313 batting average, tenth in slugging percentage at .444 and his 13 doubles is tied for second in the league.

Anfernee Seymour was an undrafted free agent signing by the Marlins in 2014 and has started 35 games at shortstop for the Muckdogs this season. The speedster is currently second in the league in stolen bases with 17. He is currently batting .281 with 23 runs scored, six doubles and seven RBIs.

An 8th round pick in the 2014 draft, Garrett has started 44 games in centerfield for Muckdogs and is arguably the top power hitter in the league. Garrett ranks first in the league in home runs with eight, first in slugging percentage at .576, second in RBIs with 32, and first in the league in triples with six. Garrett also ranks first in extra base hits (25) and total bases (98).

Nestor Bautista was selected in the 32nd round of the 2014 draft out of Ball State University. The left-hander has compiled an ERA of just 1.86, which is tops in the league for qualifying pitchers. Bautista has a record of 3-1 and has racked up 29 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched.

Steven Farnworth is in his second year of professional baseball and was a 23rd round pick in the 2014 draft. The right-hander has been the Muckdogs closer this season and is currently tied for second in the league with nine saves. Farnworth has appeared in 15 games this year and has an ERA of just 0.36. He has also recorded 23 strikeouts in his 25.0 innings of work and opposing batters are hitting just .198 versus Farnworth this year.

Holloway was drafted in the 20th round of the 2014 draft and has started eight games for the Muckdogs this year. He has compiled a record of 3-3 with a 3.08 ERA. In his 38.0 innings of work, he has recorded 24 strikeouts and opposing batters are only hitting .203 against him this year.

Batavia currently holds the sixth place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 19-26 and are just four games out of the wild card spot. The Muckdogs sent six players to the 2011 All-Star game, five in 2012, four in 2013 and four players in 2014.

A Batavia couple who lives on Walnut Street in the city is facing multiple charges relating to animal cruelty, according to a press release this afternoon from Batavia PD.

Brandon M. Maldonado, 26, of 52 Walnut St., is charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement.

His live-in girlfirend, 36-year-old Melissa A. Broadbent, is charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

Both were arraigned in front of City Court Judge Durin Rogers and put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

On Aug. 3, Batavia Police Officer Flanagan and Animal Control Officer Sheflin received a report that Maldonado poured scalding water on a young pit bull named "Rocky" sometime between July 20-21 at his residence. This resulted in second-degree burns on the dog's shoulders and rib cage, causing considerable pain.

Through the officers' investigation, it was determined that Broadbent lied to the police and instructed her children to do the same thing -- pour scalding water on the dog -- in an attempt to prevent Maldonado from being arrested.

The couple was subsequently arrested. Rocky was taken to a vet where he was treated for his injuries and is now in the care and custody of the GC Animal Shelter.

Press release:

Back-to-School season is here! It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and backpacks. Whether it’s a baby starting at a new daycare, a toddler heading to preschool, a student going back to elementary, middle or high school – or even a college freshman – parents should also check their child’s vaccine records. 

“These settings are highly susceptible to outbreaks of infectious diseases,” said Dr. Gregory Collins, Wyoming County Health commissioner. “Children can easily transmit illnesses to one another due to poor hand washing, uncovered coughs, dense populations and other factors.”

To emphasize the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are joining partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. 

“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure a healthy future for their children,” said Paul Pettit, Genesee & Orleans Public Health director. "If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”

Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.  When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.

Talk to your child’s doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school.

For more information about the recommended vaccines for each age group visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Information on NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance:

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/updated_school_imm_requirements.htm

For more information about Health Department services, use the contact information below.

• Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5000, or visit its Web site at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html.  Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.